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Custody Exchange Checklist
Complete checklist for smooth custody transitions. Covers essential items, documentation, comfort objects, and communication protocols for stress-free handoffs.
📋 Essential Documents
- ○Custody schedule printout (current month with exchanges highlighted)
- ○Health insurance cards (front and back photos on phone as backup)
- ○Emergency contact list with both parents' current info
- ○School ID and bus pass (if applicable)
- ○Medication authorization forms for school/daycare
- ○Recent report card or progress notes
- ○Activity permission slips needing signature
💊 Health & Medications
- ○Prescription medications in original bottles (7-day supply minimum)
- ○Written medication schedule with dosage times
- ○Allergy medication (Benadryl, EpiPen if prescribed)
- ○Inhaler with current prescription label
- ○Vitamins or supplements (daily gummies, etc.)
- ○First aid basics (band-aids, antiseptic, thermometer)
- ○Recent pediatrician visit summary if applicable
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🎒 Clothing & Personal Items
- ○Complete outfits for duration of visit (1 extra per 3 days)
- ○Weather-appropriate outerwear (jacket, rain gear, snow boots)
- ○Pajamas (2 sets for extended visits)
- ○Underwear and socks (pack extras)
- ○Shoes for school and play
- ○Swimsuit and towel if needed
- ○Special occasion outfit if event planned
🧸 Comfort & Security Items
- ○Favorite stuffed animal or lovey (non-negotiable!)
- ○Special blanket for sleeping
- ○Family photo or small keepsake from other home
- ○Familiar bedtime book
- ○Noise machine or nightlight if used
- ○Transition journal for child to write/draw feelings
📚 School & Activities
- ○Backpack with homework folder
- ○Current homework assignments and due dates list
- ○School library books (check due dates)
- ○Sports equipment for upcoming practices/games
- ○Musical instrument with practice music
- ○Dance bag, art supplies, or activity-specific items
- ○Project materials for school assignments
📱 Electronics & Entertainment
- ○Tablet or device with charger (if shared between homes)
- ○Headphones for travel
- ○Favorite books or current reading material
- ○Small toys or fidgets for car ride
- ○Downloaded movies/shows for offline viewing
✅ Handoff Protocol
- ○Arrive on time (within 10-minute window)
- ○Use neutral, public location if specified in agreement
- ○Keep handoff brief and positive (5 minutes max)
- ○Avoid discussing adult matters in front of children
- ○Take timestamped photo of exchanged items if needed
- ○Send confirmation text when child arrives safely
- ○Share any immediate health or behavioral concerns calmly
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Custody Exchange Checklist include?
This checklist contains 46 specific items organized into 7 categories: 📋 Essential Documents, 💊 Health & Medications, 🎒 Clothing & Personal Items, and more. Example items include Custody schedule printout (current month with exchanges highlighted), Health insurance cards (front and back photos on phone as backup), Emergency contact list with both parents' current info.
How do I use this checklist effectively?
1) Copy the list to your free Honeydew account. 2) Review all 46 items and remove any that don't apply to your situation. 3) Add any personal items unique to your needs. 4) Share with family members to divide responsibilities. 5) Check off items as you complete them.
What are the 10 most important items for custody exchanges?
Based on family coordinators: 1) Medications with dosage instructions, 2) Comfort item (specific stuffed animal/blanket), 3) School backpack with homework, 4) Tablet/device with charger, 5) Current reading book, 6) Sports/activity gear for that week, 7) Weather-appropriate outerwear, 8) Hygiene items (toothbrush, hairbrush), 9) Communication log/notebook, 10) Any special occasion outfits needed.
How can co-parents share this checklist in real-time?
In Honeydew: 1) Create a free account. 2) Import this checklist. 3) Tap "Share" and enter your co-parent's email. 4) Both parents can now see and update the same list. Items checked by one parent appear instantly for the other. You can also add notes to each item for special instructions.